Hoof Abscesses in Horses

A hoof abscess is a localized bacterial infection in the sensitive structure of the hoof, or in layman’s terms, an abscess is the hoof’s way of getting rid of dead cells from a trauma. Truly, it is a pimple in the hoof. An abscess can develop for many reasons. Some common 

causes

• Introduction of a foreign body
• Shoeing nails hitting too close to the laminae, thus allowing bacteria to enter
• Some other kind of trauma to the sensitive layers of the hoof, such as going from shod to barefoot without proper preparation
• Reaction to bruising
• Laminitis
• Shoeing difficulties
• Navicular disease
• Contraction of the heels
• Going from dry to wet weather conditions

Symptoms 

• Swelling in the lower leg
• Heat is felt by touching the hoof wall.
• Increased digital arterial pulse in the hoof.
• If severe pain is there horse try to walk on the toe.

Detecting Abscesses

"Clinical signs depend on the severity of the infection; therefore, lameness could vary from mild, minimal lameness progressing to moderate, severe lameness

Clinical signs might include swelling, heat, draining tracts ,from the sole/coronary band), increased digital pulse, and evidence of hoof injuries (that can introduce bacteria into inner hoof structures, leading to abscesses)."

In severe cases deep within the hoof, the abscess pocket or its effects, such as deteriorating bone, are visible on a radiograph.

"A hoof tester exam  cam be for detection of pain in the hoof.

 Applying focal force is often vital to localizing an abscess within the confines of the foot," says Lyle. "As the pressure increases, so does the pain."

Also, when trimming the foot one might see a black spot on the sole or sole-wall junction where a crack or puncture is contaminated with muck. This stands out in contrast to the rest of the clean, trimmed sole. This contaminated tract might lead to an abscess (not all contaminated cracks will cause abscesses

 Treatment

 The basic abscess treatment strategy is to open it and let it drain. 
  Some will even pop on their own, often after traveling up the hoof to the coronary band or heel bulbs where the wall is thinner and easier to break through.

When possible, a veterinarian drains an abscess through the sole for two reasons: 
One, the crack or puncture that can lead to an abscess generally is in the sole, and it can be followed to the abscess. 
Two, this puts a hole beneath the abscess so gravity can help pull out the pus. Cleanliness is essential during and after the procedure.

"Treatment requires cleaning the foot, locating the entry wound , establishing drainage, softening the hoof capsule via foot soaks and poultices to encourage rupture/drainage, and keeping the foot wrapped and protected from further debris entering and causing further infection.  
Anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics may also be given if needed. 
After drainage is obtained, progressive improvement should be expected on a daily basis." If drainage and lameness continue, perform other diagnostic procedures to determine the true cause.

Abscesses that have gone undetected can undermine a large portion of the sole, which might need to be pared away. In such cases the foot might require longer-term protection such as a pad or a plate.

Some veterinarians avoid foot soaks to prevent oversoftening the foot. Bras soaks feet only when abscesses appear ready to rupture .

Preventing Abscesses

"Good hoof care that leaves adequate sole for protection and develops a snug and uniform sole-wall junction is the best line of prevention," says Lyle.

Good hoof care includes frequent hoof cleaning to remove rocks/mud and routine farrier care to keep the feet balanced and address any problems.

"If a horse has thin soles or is prone to bruising ... protect them with shoes, etc., "Keep the feet trimmed so they don't get wall separations that can lead to white line disease and abscesses. Be proactive; don't wait for things to happen."